6 simple steps to a greener home

Posted on 14 April 2016

Everyone should want to embrace a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. Not only will you reduce the impact you’re having on the earth, but you’ll also save yourself some money in the process. Some people are put off the idea of “going green” because they believe it’ll take a lot of time and effort, but it doesn’t have to. It can actually be surprisingly easy.

If you want to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle but don’t know where to start, here are 6 simple steps to a greener home.

1) Make recycling part of your daily routine

One of the quickest and easiest ways to start being greener is by recycling. You should already have separate wheelie bins for different materials, so you might as well use them. Recycling takes next to no time but by doing your part, you can help reduce the huge amount of waste currently ending up on landfills.

To make things as simple as possible, assign certain boxes or bags for different materials in your home, rather than putting them all in the same bin. This way, you can just take each individual box and empty it into the right bin outside without having to think about it.

2) Remember to switch off

This is another simple way to reduce your energy consumption and save some money while you’re at it. Instead of leaving your gadgets and household appliances on standby, switch them off at the wall and you could save yourself around £80 a year.

3) Turn the heat down

Nobody likes to be cold, and we’re not saying you have to be. Turning your thermostat down by as little as 1˚C can save you between £85 and £90 a year on your energy bill, and will hardly be noticeable. So next time you get a bit of a chill, reach for a nice cosy jumper before you reach for the thermostat.

4) Cut back on plastic

Last year saw the Government introduce a new 5p charge on single-use plastic bags, in an attempt to reduce the amount of plastic ending up in landfills. While this is a great start, there is still a lot more that can be done.

If you want to cut down on the amount of plastic you’re using, consider investing in some canvas tote bags for your shopping. Or why not buy a refillable water bottle, rather than constantly buying and then throwing bottles away.

5) Control your water consumption

While you may not realise it, you’d be surprised at how much water you’re wasting on a daily basis. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to cut back, saving you money and doing your bit for the environment.

Getting out of the shower one minute earlier each day, for example, could cut your water bill by £10 a year. If you want to take things a step further, you could install an eco-friendly showerhead to reduce the amount of water your shower uses.

6) Embrace vintage and upcycling

Finally, start embracing all things vintage. Investing in second-hand clothes, furniture and accessories is a great way to reduce waste, while adding a unique look and feel to your home. Or if you’re a crafty person, why not get involved in the latest sustainability trend and try your hand at upcycling?